Things to see and do at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors

Two deer in the woods standing side by side with bluebells and other flowers on the ground amongst the grass — Deer in the woods at Longshaw | © Kev Dunnington

Discover peaceful views of the Peak District on a countryside walk through parkland, ancient woodland and rugged moorland at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors. It is a great place to watching wildlife and spending time in nature. Find out what you can see and do here.

Top things to see

There’s lots to see as you wander through the changing landscapes at Longshaw. Discover bubbling streams and tumbling waterfalls at Burbage Brook and Padley Gorge, find moments of quiet reflection at the once-industrious Bole Hill Quarry and Froggatt Wood, and marvel at the natural rock formations of Owler Tor. Longshaw Meadow is a haven for wildlife, and the woodlands are a great place to spot birds and other creatures. The restored pond offers a tranquil place to pause.

Along the Eastern Moors, the famous Curbar Gap enjoys panoramic views over the Derwent Valley from its renowned gritstone edge, surrounded by miles of isolated open moorland. Cross through Big Moor, Totley Moss, Ramsley Moor, Leash Fen, Clod Hall Moor and White Edge Moor to experience the vast landscape of the Peak District.

Walks in the countryside

Longshaw makes an ideal base for exploring the Peak District National Park, with many waymarked routes beginning on the pathway just in front of the Longshaw Lodge. You can either plan your walk using an OS map, or take a photo of the map on the side of the welcome building in the main Woodcroft car park.

Longshaw also makes a great spot for running, jogging and speedy walks to stretch your legs and feel energised all year round.

Family-friendly things to do

There are plenty of things for families to do at Longshaw throughout the year.

Look and listen out for wildlife at Longshaw Pond, or amongst the ancient woodlands across the estate. Try the orienteering course to see if you can find your way with a map and compass, or if you want to follow a trail, pick one up from the welcome building and spot wildlife along the route.

There are also lots of places to explore and take in the nature all around you.

Take a look at our programme of events and activities taking place in the school holidays and during different seasons here .

A child walking along a fallen tree holding an adult's hand with another child playing on a tree in the background — A family balancing and playing on the trees in the Owler Tor area of Longshaw, Burbage and Eastern Moors | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Summer flora and fauna at Longshaw

The Peak District is the perfect place to go wildlife and nature spotting all year round. Here are some summer highlights to look out for and enjoy on your walk.

Explore hay meadows

Did you know that Longshaw has rich hay meadows to explore which are at their best in June and July? Surveys of the hay meadow next to Longshaw car park found 45 species of herbs and grasses, as well as frogs, lizards, bees and butterflies. Follow the mown a path through the meadow to take a wander around and see how many species you can find.

Look out for beautiful water avens, colourful meadow vetchling and birdsfoot trefoil (known as eggs and bacon). The meadows are brilliant for bees and butterflies and if you sit a while you'll see they are buzzing with life!

Restoring colour to the meadow

Don't miss Grouse Inn Fields, which have been managed by the Longshaw rangers over the last 20 years using traditional haymaking techniques. This work has restored the meadows to their colourful glory. You could spot marsh orchid, common twayblade, milkwort and moonwort. You might be lucky enough to see a chimneysweep moth or a six-spot burnett.

To find Grouse Inn Fields follow directions to Hay Wood car park, (110/119: SK255777) just down the hill from the Grouse Inn. The fields are between the car park and the pub so follow the footpath into the fields. Alternatively you can take a longer walk from the Longshaw cafe along the main drive to the Calver road and turn right, walking downhill to the Grouse Inn.

Wildlife highlights

The best place to spot red deer in summer is in the meadows. They hide there while the grass is high, and even though they can be large, they are well camouflaged in the tall grasses and sometimes only their antlers show. Red deer are often best spotted around dawn and dusk and are often seen in the meadow opposite the main Woodcroft car park entrance. Be sure to keep all dogs on leads and keep your distance to avoid any disturbance and to keep you and the deer safe.

Another exciting mammal to try and spot in the evening is bats, which roost in trees around Longshaw. In the summer, they’ll be making the most of the abundant insect life here. Try a wander around the woods behind the Longshaw Cafe, where you may also be lucky enough to see a badger.

Swallows are a spectacular sight and Longshaw is a lovely place to come and watch them. Ranger Chris recommends a walk along back drive (between the Longshaw Cafe and Wooden Pole car park) where they can be seen zipping around catching flies and thoroughly enjoying life.

The pied flycatchers and redstarts are in Padley Gorge, and the green woodpecker can be heard yaffling (sounds like maniacal laughter), and seen in the woods and glades around the estate.

Look out for some of the smallest residents of Longhsaw Estate. The northern hairy wood ant is a protected species. It depends on the honeydew produced by aphids which live in the canopy of oak, birch and pine trees. In return for the honeydew the ants protect the aphids from other predators. You might be able to spot their trails from tree to nest across the estate. It is fascinating to watch them at work as they bring materials for the nest or go back and forth to bring home a meal.

Swallows are often seen in the summer — Two young swallows perching on a branch in the wildlife garden at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, Tyne & Wear | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

A world in miniature

Wander down to the Longshaw pond and you might spot dragonflies and damselflies. The four spotted chaser can be seen in June whereas the common hawker will be seen a little later in August.

Amongst the smaller damselflies you’ll see on the pond are the azure, the common blue, the large red and the emerald which can be seen in late summer. Like butterflies, they’re best spotted on a warm sunny day. Look out for the rangers, who monitor dragonflies from April to September to ensure we’re doing the best we can to keep their populations healthy.

Connect with nature

Take the time to stop and appreciate all the joys and that sense of wellbeing that nature provides when exploring Longshaw – young red deer learning the lay of the land, the aroma of wildflowers carried on a summer breeze and bees busily buzzing away collecting pollen.

The outdoors and being closer to nature gives us that sense of freedom and wonderment, and now more than ever we have turned to nature to help us escape from the everyday, in return we all need to care for our countryside, coasts, woodlands, fields and meadows so that nature can thrive.

Take a moment

Pause for a moment to notice all the weird and wonderful ways of wildlife when you explore the Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors Estate. Tune in your senses to reconnect with nature that is all around you - crouch down and take a closer look at the bugs on the ground or stand close to a tree and listen to all the different birdsongs in the tree canopy above you.

Connect with nature

Take the time to stop and appreciate the joys and the sense of wellbeing that nature provides when exploring Longshaw. Feel inspired by the sights all around you and tune in to the sound of your feet making their way acorss the landscape. The outdoors and being closer to nature can provide a sense of freedom and wonder. Nature can help us escape from the everyday. In return please help to care for our countryside, coasts, woodlands, fields and meadows so that nature can thrive. You can do this by making sure you leave no trace when you are out in nature.

You can also support our work to care for the different habitats by donating to look after wildlife and nature, becoming a member or by buying a cup of tea or a scone in our cafes.